Page 56 of Pack Owned
“Everyone has a type.”
Then he picks up a tool next to the toolbox, and my heart races into my throat because he’s too fucking close to where Kayla is hiding. If she makes a sound…
“Thanks, I need that.” I cross over to take the screwdriver from him.
When I step closer, a whiff of Kayla’s scent tickles the back of my nose. Fuck!
“Nexus is offering double the reward for information on any of the missing Omegas.”
“Good. I’m sure someone will help you guys figure out where some little Omegas have wandered off.” Setting the tool down on the Corvette, I pull out my smokes from my biker jacket and light one, then offer him one. Thankfully, he walks over and takes it. I pray it’s enough to mask Kayla’s scent.
“Tell you what, me and my guys will keep an eye out. If we get wind of any unclaimed Omegas, I’ll call you first thing.” I blow out a steady stream of smoke.
“Fuck, these are good.” He puffs on the cigar.
“It’s a Padrón,” I say with a shrug. “Limited edition.”
“Shit. No wonder. Heard these things can be hundreds of dollars. Why share with me?” He rolls the cigar in his mouth as his face hardens back into his usual scowl.
“You remind me of myself.” Ego is always a thing with these know-it-alls. “Being a leader is tough. Never getting credit, having to clean up other people’s mess, higher-ups shitting on you.”
He shakes his head. “Ain’t that the fucking truth.”
“Tell you what.” I lean against the Corvette. “If I find out anything about these Omegas, you’ll be the first I call.”
“I’ll count on it. Heard good things about your reputation, Ryker.”
It takes all of my willpower not to flinch at his remark. I’m going against my duty and our order to find and bring in anyOmegas. “No problem.” I fake a smile, squinting the corners of my eyes just so to make it look believable.
He looks around the garage one more time, and I casually blow out smoke rings even though my stomach is knotting up. “Have a good… vacation.”
Slowly, he finally leaves the garage.
I wait half a breath before I drop the cigar on the ground and crush it out with my boot.
When I’m certain they’re gone, I approach the large toolbox.
I stride over to the false bottom of the tool cabinet, my hands steady as I reach for the hidden latch. My hand shakes, and my breath is held tight in my lungs. There’s a click, an almost silent gasp of relief, as the compartment eases open.
Kayla’s blue eyes meet mine, wide and shimmering with a sheen of unshed tears that she’s too stubborn to let fall.
“Come on out,” I mutter, offering her my hand, careful not to touch her more than necessary. It’s a fucking test of control, having her this close, but I manage.
“Thank you.” Her voice is soft, a whisper that cuts through the leftover tension clinging to the air. She slides out, standing before me, not letting go of my hand right away, which suits me just fine.
“No big deal.” My chest is tight, my heart pounding that she put her trust in me. And something like a crack forms in the armor I welded around myself years ago. “Just did what I had to.”
But it is a big deal, and we both know it. I’m an Alpha; we don’t do ‘saving.’ We claim, we take, but here I am, protecting an Omega who should be nothing but trouble for me.
“Ryker...” She starts, pulling her hand from mine, and the loss is like a stab to my chest.
I shake my head. “It’s nothing.”
“Really, though...” She bites her lip, her gaze flickering up to mine. “You could have given me up.”
“Let’s clean this shit up before they get any ideas about coming back.” I turn away, busying myself with gathering the scattered tools, but her presence behind me is a warmth that spreads through my bones.
“Okay,” she agrees quietly, and I can hear the smile in her voice, the relief.
